Michaela Conway ’23 created art exhibition inspired by Ochre Court
Michaela Conway ’23, who majored in studio art with concentrations in graphic design and interactive media arts, is heading to Boston, where she hopes to land her dream role in a design agency. She also plans to combine her minor in psychology with her passion for design to develop a brand’s image and market it efficiently and accurately.
Throughout her time at Salve Regina, Conway has been able to see her graphic design and studio art skills flourish.
Senior Honors Thesis Exhibition
One of only four students to complete the senior honors thesis in studio art, Conway participated in the senior honors thesis exhibition, “Vitruvian Women,” in the Dorrance H. Hamilton Gallery during the spring 2023 semester. For this special exhibition, she created the brand Florence – a fashion line that took inspiration from historic Newport mansions like Ochre Court.
“After establishing the brand identity, I designed a logo to reflect the luxury aesthetic of Florence and curated a 10-piece collection,” Conway said. “I then collaborated with a photographer to realize my creative vision. These elements all came together into a cohesive pop-up shop that allowed for an immersive consumer experience.”
The project required her to explore all aspects of brand identity, including logo design, print, packaging, video campaigns and web design.
“Her design work evolved by being immersed in one of the many things that makes Salve so unique,” said Bert Emerson, associate professor in the Department of Art and Art History.
Salve Regina University, the muse
While the opulence and architecture in Newport inspired Conway’s senior honors thesis, it was the Salve Regina community that nurtured her passion for design.
Conway recalled many professors who had lasting impacts. Along with Emerson, studio art faculty Gerry Perrino and Susannah Strong helped her grow not only as an artist, but as an individual. “They have fostered my creativity and inspired me to think critically about my work,” she said.
As she says goodbye to Salve Regina, Conway encourages any and all undecided students to consider the art program. With an intimate number of students majoring in art-related fields, there is an emphasis on individualism. “The small class size means that the faculty can tailor the program to your needs and ambitions so that you get the most out of your experience,” she said. “It really fosters creativity.”
It’s hard to think of Salve Regina without noting its oceanside campus. For artists, Conway finds that the campus always inspires artistic ideas. “The beautiful campus with its natural elements and intricate architecture is a source of inspiration, and you never know where that inspiration will lead you,” she said.
Written by student writer Catherine Dolan ’23
